Easy-to-Use Online Measurement Tools

When searching for social media measurement tools that businesses can use online, I came across many websites and MANY advertisements. Although this was somewhat irritating, I was able to come across some great online measurement tools that are free and easy to use.

A useful social media measurement tool that is unpaid and easily accessible online is Facebook Insights. This handy tool has recently been added to the ever-changing Facebook and it enables users to identify and understand user growth and consumption of content. Facebook Insights is a great tool for businesses that use Facebook as a device to track success and work towards gaining interest.

http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=1030

Another great measurement tool is Topsy, which is more than just a competitor of the well-known Social Mention. Topsy is a source used for listening and examining online conversations. Users can simply type in their personal or business name and see if they have been discussed, tweeted, re-tweeted, etc. and of so, how many times they have been mentioned in one day.

http://topsy.com/

Twitalyzer is another free online tool that can be used to measure online social media content and use. This a great tool to use if your business is short on time and if you are trying to determine the overall perceptions of your brand. Twitalyzer is ideal for businesses that want to track progress online and it’s also a great advertising tool when trying to display success to potential clients.

http://twitalyzer.com/

A great online tool that is very helpful in the world of measurement and analytics is Google Analytics. This tool although it is not free, provides users with insights on various uses of social media such as link tagging. However, Google Analytics usually affiliated with Google Adwords which also translates to an “Ad-cost!”

http://www.google.com/analytics/

RIM and the Blackberry Shut-Down Fiasco

The Blackberry outages that took place last week had the general public feeling dissatisfaction to say the least. Not only were Blackberry users angry with the inaccessibility but there was a general frustration with the fact that no information was provided surrounding why the outages happened in the first place. The only information I had heard was that the shortages started somewhere in Europe and then travelled worldwide. This is a real time example of a world issue that quickly spread to technology users across the globe.

Some of the Top Ten Social Media barriers (and arguably social media dependent devices such as a Blackberry) include lack of resources, lack of knowledge, lack of timeliness and lack of awareness. By providing concrete information to Blackberry users in this situation in a timely fashion, RIM is remaining proactive and speaking to the problem on an immediate basis.

This global situation has made RIM the main topic of recent conversations, making RIM an influencer. RIM now requires a web strategy that they can use to manage this situation and remain an influencer, while moving into a positive light. Blackberry began as a popular device, which then became an influencer (meaning that more and more people felt they needed to buy a Blackberry as it became a necessity) and now they must work to remain an influencer while up against their main competitor, Apple. This can be accomplished through the use of using both social media and traditional media (as many users may not have access to social media due to the outages) to send a message to Blackberry users. This information will consist of the nature of their technical problem and keep users updated with information as the problem is addressed.

RIM can take advantage of television, internet, newspapers, local broadcasts and podcasts and social media (used for the internet only) to convey messages to users about their technical issue. The longer RIM avoids the questions, the more clients they will lose in the meantime. Providing followers with information in a timely fashion is crucial to managing any business strategy. If accomplished efficiently, RIM will save themselves from losing to their main competition.

On that note, I also would like to mention that I can’t help but notice the coincidence that took place here as the timing was impeccably close to when the new iPhone was released. Could these two “coincidences” be an overall business strategy?

The Tofino Ap

I took a trip out to the far end of Vancouver Island this week and landed in the much loved and organically grown Tofino, B.C. Having lived in Tofino in the past, I found it comforting to visit with friends and travel to well known shops and restaurants that I went to while a member of the Tofino community.

I would also like to mention a pretty amazing discovery that I came across while visiting this once quiet and technologically-free town. Walking down main street, I came across what I thought was a typical “hippie van” parked on the side of the road as this is something not uncommon to Tofino. To my surprise and amazement (as an aspiring PR practitioner and follower of social media) this van was not just a “hippie van” at all. In fact, this van was a travelling carrier of “The Tofino Ap”, an application based service (ABS) providing information about Tourism in Tofino for the iPhone, Balckberry and various other application devices. The Tofino Ap provides real time information about

restaurants, tours, wildlife (both land based and aquatic,) surfing and so much more.

http://www.tofinoapp.com/

Now, no longer can island inhabitants claim that they are completely cut off from the rest of the world with regard to technology. Barcodes have expanded to the very edge of Canada, providing up to date information about this a beautiful rainforest town. In addition, users can place advertisements and promotions via the Tofino Ap, providing tourists and inhabitants with “what’s new” in the world of social media and tourism in Tofino.

This may seem like an excellent way to advertise and promote Tofino as a tourist town. But how do Tofino inhabitants feel about their once quiet logging and fishing town becoming a member of this technological network? Employers and entrepreneurs in favour of tourism may find that it helps there business, but how do other inhabitants feel about the increased use of technology in Tofino? After doing more research on this topic, I was able to come across a Tofino based blog written by inhabitants. I found that it provides insights on the developing tourism industry surrounding Tofino, wildlife and forestry (to name a few) and I enjoyed what bloggers had to say. http://tofino-bc.com/blog/

How do We Manage an Online Community?

Community Management, what is it and why is it important for me as social media user to know about it?

So far, it is an area of social media that I am continuing to explore through identifying brand, grassroots and corporate organization use. I understand it to be a way for companies to respond to an online conversation about their brand (initiated by social media) in a organized and controlled fashion. So what do I think about it? Is it proactive? Reactive? Is it changing the way we use social media? Is it helping?

To be quite honest, it looks (to me) like some organizations took notice of the increased usage of social media and thought, “We better get involved before it is too late.” That being said, there are some great examples of good community managers that I was able to locate while searching online.

One example of effective community management is Plan Canada’s much talked about “Because I am a Girl” campaign. Before I explored this campaign further, I had heard about it in some of my PR classes, from colleagues and friends. Based on my personal interests and the buzz it was receiving, I decided to explore this campaign further.

“Because I am a Girl” is a grassroots organization designed to raise awareness, funds and involvement in supporting girls in education, safety and food security around the world. The campaign provides online users with an accessible website that greets users on its homepage with an emotional Youtube clip, used to inspire viewers and remind them why they are visiting this page. Viewers can get involved with the campaign by visiting the “What Can I do?” section of thewebsite and they can join the conversation via Twitter or Facebook.

This campaign has taken a proactive approach to community management by enabling a dialogue through social media with followers and supporters. After visiting this site, I feel as though I want to join the conversation, donate and educate others on the topic. Now if that isn’t effective community management, I don’t know what is.

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/page.aspx?pid=3767 

Another example of community management online that I wanted to examine is the Hyatt Hotel’s “Yatt it” program. This program enables concierges and Gold Passport members to provide and rate “insider tips” for travellers and Hyatt hotel patrons. Hyatt Hotels, who are not only based in Canada but around the globe, provide national users with real time travel information. This program basically allows gold passport members to have a conversation with a hotel concierge at any given moment.

Although it is very different from the “Because I am a Girl” Campaign, this corporate organization provides users with a prestigious feel and an opportunity to gain information at the click of a switch. Yatt’ it also enables a dialogue with users and appears to also have used a proactive approach.

http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4035335.html 

Although both examples of community managers take very different approaches to dealing with their online publics, both appear to be successful in starting and maintaining a conversation with users. In both cases, users are made to feel as though they are a part of community, which in itself is reason enough continue the conversation.

An Ap for an Ap

This week I decided to explore social media a little bit further and look into the real time world of LBS, discovery engines and AR applications. What are these short forms, you ask? Well, I shared your curiosity earlier in the week as these are elements of social media that are still quite new to me. The fact that I don’t own an iPhone makes me feel as though I am somewhat prehistoric. As such, given my background and knowledge prior to examining these facets, here is what I gathered from this week’s social media experience.

Location Based Service (LBS) (Ex. Gowalla: http://gowalla.com/)

As an avid traveler, I can personally appreciate a LBS such as Gowalla. The creator, Josh Williams, claimed that intent of this program is to have the ability to share travel images, thoughts and locations with friends in a post card format. This program is set up easily for users and can be viewed as a way of story-telling while travelling. When compared to a similar device such as Foursquare, the more mainstream “check-in” device, many believe that Gowalla is a copycat. Either way, Gowalla is easy to use, it is applicable to today’s jet-setter and it is accessible across the globe.

Quick Response (QR) Codes: (Ex. QR Codes for iPhone)

QR Codes are an interesting concept that allow users to remain online even when they are offline. Users are able to take a snapshot of a QR code with the iPhone while standing at a bus shelter, looking in a store window, at an airport, etc. While accomplishing this, users can instantly receive information about the product the code was made for. Similar to scanning a grocery store item, users can now scan the products that surround us in everyday urban living. Although this new application does make me feel as though I am living inside a video game, I can appreciate its use. Now instead of having to ‘google’ an item or event on my computer, I can gain instant information at the flick of a switch!

Augmented Reality (AR) (Ex. Augmented Reality Cinema)

Augmented Reality Cinema is a new application for mobile phones. This application enables users to hold their phone up to an area in a city street (ex. London, England) and the application allows users to see films that were made in that same place on their mobile phones. AR Cinema is made to be seen as a lens for users in the urban world, allowing them to tap in and out of reality and fantasy through film. As a film lover, this is a type of application that interests me. With the help of this device, I am able to feel as though I am actually entering inside some of my favourite films. http://www.augmentedrealitycinema.com/index1.html

Blogging About PR? What a Novel Concept!

As Social Media continues to show us how it can (and will) wiggle its way into our lives next, it is important to acknowledge the individuals who have been blogging about its capability all along. These practitioners have been using these platforms to voice their thoughts on social media and what it has done and can do for its online users. These blogs have provided me with some insights on social media and how I can improve my tactics as a PR practitioner.

1. It All Starts with Butter- PR expert, Foodie and entrepreneur Shaun Rusich writes a gastronomic blog about gourmet food, restaurant openings and various ways to incorporate food and social media. I have included the Facebook page to this link as the blog itself is currently undergoing some maintenance.

http://www.facebook.com/itallstartswithbutter

  

2. PR Couture- This is a PR Blog about fashion. Although I would not consider myself a fashion ‘guru,’ I can certainly admire those who are via PR Couture and I can also recognize how well this blog is written in order to speak to its publics.

http://www.prcouture.com/

3. Mashable- An excellent source for up-to-date information concerning what is new in the world of Social Media. The site is updated regularly and provides real time information to online users.

http://mashable.com/

4. PR in Your Pajamas- This blog is a personal favourite of mine. It may be the ever-living university student that thinks fondly of the days when I was in school full time and completing assignments while in my pajamas. This site is a lot more focused than it seems as it provides comfort to online readers who understand that a lot can be accomplished in a day without leaving your computer. http://prinyourpajamas.com/

5. Spooning HQ Blog –This is another great Foodie/PR blog about what’s hot and not in the kitchen. This blog discusses health, recipes and food controversy while simultaneously displaying media for today’s hottest restaurants. Though the blogger herself (Alice Stanner) is based out of London, England, her blog manages to reach across the globe to teach readers the importance of staying connected through online dialogue.

http://spoonhq.wordpress.com

6. Cisco Blog-This is an excellent source for stats on social media users and the impact it is having across Canada. It provides real time data and it also speaks to the population over 35 about the importance of social media and how to get involved and use it correctly.

http://blogs.cisco.com/socialmedia/generations-and-social-media-in-canada/

7. A Class Act-This former Ryerson grad blogs about PR education in Canada. As a PR student and future PR practitioner, I thoroughly enjoy this blog that provides information about internships, curriculum and careers in the PR world.

http://classact.prblogs.org/category/internships/

8. PR Newsletter- Other than the somewhat irritating sounds this blog makes when you enter its site, this blog shares some detailed information about news in PR today. Please be aware that a subscription is required for PR Newsletter.

http://prnewsletter.com/

9. PR Squared –Written with a sassy, ‘who cares’ attitude (which is done very well,) this blog discusses anything and everything related to PR and the news today. I enjoy that this blog as it ‘cuts the crap’ and I feel like I am having a conversation with the blogger.

http://www.pr-squared.com/

10. The Future Buzz-This is a blog that provides readers with stats and information about social media. It manages to accomplish this all while providing readers with a pleasant, easy to read layout that is easy to follow.

http://thefuturebuzz.com/

The Wandering Socialite: A Social Network Super Fan

The Wandering Socialite:

Facebook. The word almost seems passé now and yet, we still continue to incorporate this form of social media into our daily routines. Looking more directly at how Facebook has impacted our lives, we may examine the re-definition of words associated with Facebook.

“Friendship” and “Privacy” are two words that five years ago I would associate with relationships and solitude. Today these are words that I automatically associate with a social network, an online database that would have meant nothing to me 5-10 years ago but means everything to me today (online.) As noted in Eric Qualman’s “Social Media Revolution,” my offline behaviour has now been affected by my online behaviour. It may be argued that I have become a brand ambassador for Facebook; as I have re-defined these words in my own mind based on my Facebook usage and dependency.

In “How to Convert your Superfans into Brand Ambassadors,” Aliza Sherman explains that my jump from being a Facebook “Superfan” (someone who visits the network regularly) to a brand ambassador (someone who has incorporated the network into my daily routine) is linked to my desire to be a part of a community. (http://gigaom.com/collaboration/how-to-convert-your-facebook-superfans-into-brand-ambassadors/)

Sherman explores what motivates users to use Facebook in the first place and why we continue to re-visit  our Facebook pages so frequently. The author determines that we as a public have a desire to feel connected. Sherman then goes on to explain that it is our actions made when seeking connection that enable us to incorporate a social network such as Facebook into our lives. I believe that Sherman’s claims are true and one of the reasons for this is that I have checked my Facebook three times while writing this blog.

Sherman has correctly identified that our natural desire to be a part of a community has linked us to use such devices as Facebook. However, actions that are accepted “online” are not necessarily accepted “offline” when attempting to find community and connect with our peers. In the Youtube video, “The Offline Social Network.” two strangers on the street attempt to ask other strangers personal information about themselves that is commonly asked on Facebook. The strangers asking the questions are surprised to learn that asking for such personal information from other strangers face to face is not necessarily socially acceptable in the same way that it is online.